Leadership Lessons From a Sled Dog Team

This past March, my husband and I enjoyed an adventure of a lifetime…we went dog sledding north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The team’s Musher, Emily, a woman in her 20’s, was impressive. I noticed immediately that she was very tuned in to her team and lead them with grit and insight. The owner of 36 sled dogs, Emily introduced us to the ten chosen for this particular team. We learned that efficient sled teams are not created by placing the members according to their physical strength. Instead, positions are awarded based on character.

We met Ruby, who was the lead dog even though she was the smallest. She was chosen as the leader because of her ability to stay focused, be responsive, set the pace and gets along well with the all of the other dogs. Gallagher, the co-leader was chosen for his drive and enthusiasm. We found Whalen, the largest and strongest dog, at the back of the sled team. He was placed there because of his positive attitude, loyalty and power. Under Emily’s direction, this seemingly mismatched team with the strongest in the back and the smallest in the front, worked very well together. They were all focused on the finish line, pulling together in one direction, and cooperating with great ease and excitement.

As I recall the experience, it occurred to me how much we as leaders can learn from this insightful leader. Pulling together and pulling in the same direction is critical not only when the terrain is easy, but when the path ahead is filled with storms, uncertainties, risks and adversity.

Here is what I learned from Emily and her sled dog team:

1. Choose leaders and team members based on their character qualities and natural strengths. 

Look for focus, drive, ability to work with others, and a positive can-do attitude. A carefully selected team will help motivate one another to work hard.

2. Lead from the back.

Even though Whalen was influencing the team from the back with his strength, power and enthusiasm, the real powerhouse here was Emily. From her position, she could see the horizon and be sure the team was working seamlessly to achieve what matters most.

3. Equip your team.

Providing work – life balance to help restore and refresh team members creates space for innovative solutions and quicker results. Leadership coaching and workshops to discover individual talents and strengths such as the GALLUP StrengthsFinder assessment is a great first step.

4. Job well done - Gratitude and Recognition

A sled dog is often rewarded for a job well done with scratches behind the ears, pats on the head and lots of ATTA- BOYS! Humans also enjoy and even thrive with appreciation. Notice and compliment the character qualities of your team members as often as possible. This shows you are paying attention and helps them appreciate being a part of a winning team.

As a certified StrengthsFinder Facilitator for Individuals, Managers and Teams, I often coach and train groups that aren’t all pulling in the same direction.  If you’d like to become a more insightful leader and bring out the best in your team, let’s talk.

Heidi Sadecky is a highly-trained executive coach with over 35 years of combined corporate and coaching experience. She helps her clients operate at a higher level, overcome workplace challenges and achieve measurable results.

She is an in-demand facilitator of the only Townsend Leadership Program in the North East United States.

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